If you’re finishing school, thinking about changing careers, or want to avoid university debt, an apprenticeship could be a great option. You get to learn on the job, earn a wage, and gain real qualifications.
Apprenticeships are becoming one of the most important routes into work, with more opportunities than ever before for school and college leavers.
Level 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
Intermediate (or level 2) apprenticeships are designed to cover entry-level roles and provide the basic skills and knowledge required to begin a career. If you’re aged 16 and over, they represent the ideal opportunity for you to start your career through hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Typically, over a 12-month period, you’ll work towards qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, usually in the form of a diploma relevant to the industry you’re working in.
Entry requirements will vary from one or more GCSEs to no formal qualifications or experience. Employers are increasingly encouraged to make apprenticeships more accessible, meaning your skills, attitude and potential are just as important as grades. On completion of a level 2 apprenticeship, you can progress within your current role, move on to a level 3 apprenticeship, or continue into further education.
Level 2 apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, environmental services, animal care, construction, business administration, transport, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, science and hospitality.
With increased government focus on early careers, level 2 apprenticeships are becoming more widely available and remain a key starting point for school leavers entering the workplace.
Summary
This is the first step in the apprenticeship ladder and a strong option if you’re aged 16 or over and want to start learning a skill while earning.
Takes about: 12 months
What you get: A qualification equal to GCSEs
Subjects include: Construction, animal care, business, healthcare, hospitality, transport and more
What’s new in 2026 – 2027
- Foundation apprenticeships are being introduced and expanded as a new entry route into apprenticeships
- Designed for young people aged 16–21 (or up to 24 with additional needs)
- Provide a more supported pathway into work and progression to level 2 or level 3 apprenticeships
- Greater focus on accessibility, meaning you may not need GCSEs and employers will consider your skills and potential
- More funding is being directed towards entry-level apprenticeships, increasing opportunities for school leavers
You don’t always need GCSEs to get in. Employers now look at your skills and experience too.
Level 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
Advanced (or level 3) apprenticeships are the next step on the apprenticeship ladder and are equivalent to A levels. They are ideal if you have some experience, skills or qualifications and want to develop further in a chosen career. Typically lasting between 18 and 24 months, these apprenticeships allow you to build deeper technical knowledge and take on more responsibility in the workplace.
Entry requirements are usually higher than level 2, with many employers asking for up to five GCSEs including English and maths. Some roles may also require relevant experience or a level 2 apprenticeship in the same field. At this level, you may also gain professional recognition from an industry body, depending on the sector.
Level 3 apprenticeships are widely available across industries such as digital, engineering, healthcare, construction and business, and are one of the most common routes for school leavers.
With growing employer demand for skilled workers, level 3 apprenticeships continue to offer a strong pathway into long-term careers and further progression.
Summary
This is the next level up and is equivalent to A levels, but with real work experience.
Takes about: 18 to 24 months
What you get: A qualification equal to A levels
Subjects include: IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, business and more
Entry requirements: Usually 5 GCSEs (including English and maths)
This level is ideal if you want to gain skills and progress within a specific career.
Level 4 & 5 – Higher Apprenticeships
Higher (level 4 and 5) apprenticeships offer qualifications equivalent to a foundation degree, Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND), while gaining experience in a real job. These apprenticeships typically take between 12 and 60 months to complete and involve a mix of workplace learning and study with a college, training provider or university.
Employers usually expect previous experience or subject knowledge, and entry requirements often include A levels, a level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent qualifications. As a result, competition for higher apprenticeships can be strong.
These apprenticeships are available in sectors such as engineering, construction, finance, digital and management, and often lead to senior roles or further progression onto a degree apprenticeship.
Higher apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to university for those who want to continue learning while earning and gaining experience.
Summary
These are designed for people who want to develop higher-level skills and take on more responsibility.
Takes about: 1 to 5 years
What you get: A qualification equivalent to the first stages of university
Where you learn: Split between your job and a training provider
You’ll usually need A levels or a level 3 apprenticeship to apply.
Level 6 & 7 – Degree Apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships allow you to gain a full university degree while working and earning a salary. At level 6, you’ll achieve a bachelor’s degree, and at level 7, a master’s degree.
These apprenticeships are a well-established alternative to full-time university study. Your employer covers the cost of your training, meaning you won’t pay tuition fees, and you’ll earn a salary throughout your apprenticeship.
You’ll split your time between working and studying with a university or training provider, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations from day one.
Degree apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries including engineering, digital, healthcare, law, business and leadership, with more employers offering programmes each year.
Summary
These apprenticeships allow you to gain a degree while working and earning.
Takes about: 3 to 5 years
What you get: A bachelor’s degree (level 6) or master’s degree (level 7)
What’s different:
- No tuition fees – your employer funds your training
- You gain real work experience alongside your degree
- You earn a salary while studying
Important update (2026)
Government funding for some level 7 (master’s) apprenticeships is being reduced
Learners aged 22 and over may not be eligible for funding unless they meet specific criteria (such as being a care leaver)
Level 6 (degree) apprenticeships continue to be widely funded and remain a key route into professional careers
Big changes to apprenticeships and post-16 options (2026–2027)
There are important changes happening that make apprenticeships an even stronger option after GCSEs or A levels.
Here’s what you need to know:
- More focus is being placed on apprenticeships as a direct route into work and careers
- Employers are being encouraged to create more apprenticeship opportunities, especially for school and college leavers
- Funding is being prioritised towards younger learners, meaning more entry-level roles at Level 2 and Level 3
- Key industries like engineering, construction, digital, health and energy are seeing increased demand for apprentices
- Apprenticeships are being aligned more closely with real job roles, so you gain the skills employers actually need
- New qualification changes (including V-levels) are designed to make career routes clearer, with apprenticeships remaining a key pathway
- Some classroom-based qualifications are being reduced, putting more emphasis on routes that lead directly into employment
What this means for you
- There are now more opportunities to start earning and gaining experience straight after school or college
- Apprenticeships offer a clear path into skilled jobs without needing to go to university
- You can progress from Level 2 up to higher and degree apprenticeships while working
- You’ll build real experience, making you more employable from an early stage
- Choosing an apprenticeship means learning in a real work environment, not just a classroom
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